The Power of Perseverance: Following Your Blisters in Career Choices

Mckinsey & Well Conclusion: Dan Cable's "Follow Your Blisters" approach offers a refreshing perspective on career choices. Rather than being driven solely by fleeting passions, individuals are encouraged to embrace the challenges and perseverance required to excel in their chosen activities. By finding fulfillment through resilience, personal growth, and the development of unique character, we can embark on a more rewarding and satisfying career journey.

The Power of Perseverance: Following Your Blisters in Career Choices

In a world that often encourages us to "follow our passion," Dan Cable, a professor of organizational behavior, challenges this notion and presents a more nuanced perspective in his article. Instead of blindly pursuing our passions, he suggests embracing our "blisters" – the activities that challenge us and draw us back despite their difficulties. Cable argues that it is through perseverance and dedication to such activities that we can find true fulfillment and career success.

1. Reassessing the "Follow Your Passion" Mantra: Cable critiques the common career advice of "following your passion" as being too simplistic and potentially misleading. He acknowledges the importance of enjoying one's work but highlights the need to go beyond immediate emotions.
2. Introducing "Follow Your Blisters": The author introduces the concept of "blisters" – activities that may be tough, require perseverance, and challenge our skills but still draw us back repeatedly.
3. The Role of Perseverance: Cable emphasizes the significance of perseverance and dedication when it comes to activities that matter to us. He encourages readers to question whether they have the commitment to endure challenges and setbacks.
4. Recognizing Personal Draw towards Certain Activities: Drawing inspiration from Martin Seligman's work in positive psychology, the article suggests exploring childhood interests that still hold appeal. These interests can provide insights into activities worth pursuing.
5. Differentiating Between Natural Talent and Passion: The article discusses the distinction between things we naturally excel at and activities that captivate us even if they require effort. Cable urges readers to pay attention to tasks that feel natural and satisfying versus those that require conscious reminders.
6. Embracing Unique Competence: The metaphor of "blisters turning into toughened skin" illustrates how persistent engagement in certain activities leads to competence and unique character development.
7. The Beauty of "Wabi-Sabi": Cable introduces the Japanese concept of "wabi-sabi," which signifies beauty in imperfection and asymmetry. He suggests that embracing our idiosyncrasies and individuality is essential to finding career fulfillment.
8. The Journey of Personal Growth: By following their blisters, individuals embark on a journey of personal growth, marked by resilience, learning, and development.
9. Finding Satisfying Career Choices: The article encourages readers to reflect on the activities that truly fulfill them, even if they may not be immediately obvious passions.
10. Embracing the Path of Resilience: In conclusion, Cable emphasizes that true career satisfaction lies not only in following our passions but in persevering through challenges and embracing the activities that mark us with unique character and competence.